Dispenser closure



May 17, 1966 R. H. THOMAS DISPENSER CLOSURE Filed April 2, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Will/Ill '1 I 7 1 i: .4 W s .1 1 z 19 41 INVENTOR. S

" RALPH H.THOMA May 17, 1966 R. H. THOMAS 3,251,516

DISPENSER CLOSURE Filed April 2., 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. RALPH H. THOMAS Filed Apr. 2, W64, Ser. No. 356,722 9 Claims. (Ci. 222-536) This invention relates to a new dispensing closure comprising a hollow elongated rotatable spout pivotally mounted for rotation in a socket so as to be rotatable from a horizontal position to a vertical position. It is especially concerned with dispensing closures of this type made at least in part of flexible materials, such as polyethylene, in which the internal conduit of the spout in its vertical position communicates with the interior of the container on which the closure is positioned. This forms an open, vertical path for dispensing materials from inside said container. In the horizontal position of the spout the interior of the container is sealed from the atmosphere.

A variety of dispensing closures of this general type have been described in the prior art. These, however, by and large have suffered from several disadvantages. One difliculty encountered is the leakage of the liquid contents of the container when the spout is in its oii position. This is particularly troublesome when the container or the dispenser closure or both are made of flexible materials, e.g., polyethylene, and the contents subject to elevated pressures. When eflYorts were made to improve the sealing characteristics of these dispensers by prior art methods, the spouts invariably became difficult to rotate a United States Patent between the vertical open position and the horizontal i'il cylindrical'knuckle portion. The cylindrical knuckle portion articulated with a socket in that 'part of the closure dispenser which was secured to the container. In the base of this socket was a hole which opened into the interior of the container. This hole was covered over and sealed by the spout in its horizontal or closed position;

In the vertical or open position the hole in the base of the cavity registered with the conduit or bore of the spout to form an exit path for the contents of the container.

It has now been found that the disadvantages of the prior art dispenser closures of this character may be avoided by shaping the curvature of the surfaces of the knuckle portion of the spout and the socket and mounting the former for rotationin the latter, so that interference to this rotation occurs at selected and limited number of points on these surfaces; at least one of these points of interference being in the region of the hole in the base of said socket when the spout is in its horizontal position. In this manner a maximum sealing effect is obtained between the knuckle and the opening in the base of the cavity when the spout is in its closed position, and at the same time, .easy rotatability of the spout between the horizontal and vertical position is maintained.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to Patented May 1?, 156

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a substantially leak-proof dispensing closure for a container comprising a hollow, rotatable spout which is readily rotatable from a horizontal position to a vertical position, said closure being in its dispensing position when said spout is vertically disposed.

Other and more detailed objects of this invention will be apparent from the following descriptions and drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view, partly in section of a container and closure dispenser therefor embodied in the present invention, the spout being lifted out of its articulating cavity to show the details of said cavity;

FIGURE 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container and closure dispenser shown in FIGURE 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged disgrammatic view, partly in section, of the spout and socket of one embodiment of. this invention, the spout being shown in dotted line in its vertical or open position.

FIGURE 4 is a ,view similar to that shown in FIGURE 3, excepting that the spout is shown in its horizontal or closed position.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged diagrammatic view, partly in section, of the spout and socket of another embodiment of this invention, the spout being shown in dotted line in its vertical or open position.

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to that shown in FIGURE 5, excepting that the spout is shown in its horizontal or closed position.

FEGURE 7 is a side elevation of modified rotatable spout embodied in this invention.

FIGURE 8 is a bottoan plan view of FIGURE 7.

Referring to the drawings wherein like numerals designate the same element in the various views, the dispensing closure is designated generally at 1 and is removably secured to container 3. Dispensing closure 1 consists of a cap 5 and a removable spout 6 shown removed from its socket in FIGURES 1 and 2. All of the elements of this assembly are preferably made of a flexible material, such as polyethylene.

Cap 5 may be a simple cap or may be provided with a handle 7 which is preferably integral with and molded as one piece with the cap 5. Cap 5 is supplied with a pair of end walls 9 and 9, a pair of side walls 11 and 11 and a roof 13 which together form an enclosure, open at the bottom, which covers the neck 15 of the container 3.

Depending from the under side of roof 13 and integral therewith is an outer annular flange 17 provided with a bead 19. Bead 19 engages a similar bead 21 formed in the neck 15 of container 3. An inner annular flange 23, also depending from the under side of roof 1?: is a.so provided which, together with outer annular flange 1 serve to engage the inside and outside of neck 15 of container 3 and thereby to removably secure dispensing closure 1 to container 3.

An opening 25 is made in roof 13. Above opening 25 is socket 27 in which is seated spout 6 in a manner described more in detail below. Below opening 25 is the interior of the neck 15 of container 3, which communicates with the interior of container 3.

Molded in the top surface of roof'l3 is a groove 29 into which the conduit portion 31' of spout 6 fits when spout d is in its horizontal position. This groove is shown as being V-shaped although other suitable shapes can be employed. Groove 29, at its inner end, communicates with socket 27 which serves as a seat for the knuckle portion 31 of spout 6. Cut in each of the side walls of socket 27 extending from the upper surface of roof 13 to a point above the fioor of socket 27 is a slot 33, each of which described above.

25 serves to engage a trunnion 35 extending outwardly from the sides of knuckle portion 31 of spout 6. The slots 33 are cut so that their sides first taper downwardly and inwardly to reduce the width of the slot below the diam- 'eter of the trunnions 35 and then downwardly and outwardly so as to form a'seat for the trunnions 35.

The spout 6 and the cap are preferably made of a flexible material, such as polyethylene, as mentioned above. Slot 33 is thus expandable, and trunnions 35 may be snap fitted into these slots. In other forms of this invention the walls of slots 33 may be made of flexible material whereas trunnions 35 are made of rigid material or vice versa.

As noted above, spout 6 comprises a conduit portion 31 and a knuckle portion 32. Conduit portion 31 in this illustration is diamond shaped in cross-section and is provided with a central bore 37 that extends through the whole length of spout 6. Bore 37 ends in a back opening 39 at the rear of knuckle portion 32 which registers with opening when spout 6 is in the vertical position. To facilitate the rotation of spout 6 in cavity 27, a portion of the knuckle is cut away to form a plane 45 best seen in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4.

Itis a feature of the present invention to shape the curvature of the surfaces of knuckle portion 32 and socket 27 and mount the former for rotation in the latter so that interference to this rotation occurs at a selected number of points on the respective surfaces.

Although interference to rotation does take place, this does not prevent rotation, since the materials from which the spout and knuckles are made are yielda-ble. The interference, however, serves to increase the force under which the parts are pressed together at the interfering points.

As previously noted, at least one of the points or areas of interference should be in the region of opening 25 in the base of socket 27 when spout 6 is in its horizontal or closed position. This interference serves to form a tight seal at this point and to prevent the leakage of the contents of the container.

Interference to rotation is limited to a selected limited number of points or areas to facilitate the ease with which the spout 6 may be rotated in socket 27. It is preferred, however, that the points of interference be no more than two. The first point or area has already been The second point or area of interference is in the region of opening 25 in the floor of socket 27 when spout 6 is in its vertical position. This serves to form a tight seal at thispoint to prevent the leakage of liquid around the knuckle portion 32 when material is being dispensed from the container. Although this seal in the open position is less critical than the seal in the closed position (since the liquid would tend to take the path of least resistance and exit through the bore 37), it is advantageous as an extra safety feature to also have the tight seal in the open position. Between the open and closed positions, however, a minimum of interference to rotation is preferred.

In discussing the curvature of the knuckle portion 32 and the socket 27, these are best related to the axis of rotation of trunnions When the latter are mounted for rotation in slots 33. In general, interference between knuckle portion 32 and socket 27 at a limited number of points or areas can be brought about in several ways. In one aspect of this invention the curvature of socket 27 is kept constant and concentric with the axis of rotation C of trunnion 35 while at least one arcuate portion is formed on the surface of knuckle 32 whose center of curvature is eccentric with respect to axis of rotation C. This aspect of the invention is illustrated'in FIG- URES 3 and 4 of the drawings.

FIGURE 3 shows the spout 6 in dotted line in vertical position mounted for rotation in socket 27. Socket 27 is shown in section. An end view of the axis of rotation C of trunnion 35 is seen in this view. The surface of 4 knuckle portion 32 is formed into two arcuate sections 41 and 43.

The center of curvature of arcuate section 41 is concentric with the axis of rotation C of trunnion 35. Furthermore, the center of curvature of socket 27 is also concentric with the axis of rotation of trunnion 35. Also, the radius of curvature r of arcuate section 41 is equal to the radius curvature r of rocket 27. As a consequence, during the rotation of knuckle 32 in cavity 27 arcuate section 41 offers very little interference to rotation.

The center of curvature C2 of arcuate portion 43, however, is eccentric with respect to the axis of rotation C, although its radius of curvature r is equal to the radius of curvature r of socket 27. The extent and direction of this eccentricity can vary. In the modification of this invention illustrated in FIGURES. 3 and 4, the center of curvature C is located on a line drawn through C at an angle of 45 to the left of the longitudinal axis of spout 6 and at a distance of .010 from C. In this case the radii of curvature r, r and r are preferably of the order of .230.

FIGURE 4 shows the modification of this invention illustrated in FIGURE 3 when the spout 6 is in the closed position. As in the case of FIGURE 3, the spout is shown in dotted line. It will be seen in this drawing that the surface of arcuate portion 43 is shown to extend below the inner surface of socket 27. This, obviously, cannot occur, and as a matter of fact, the surface of arcuate portion 43 is compressed and the base of socket 27 is stretched so that spout 6 may rotate in socket 27. The extent of the overlap between the surface of the socket 27 (which is also the actual position of the surface of arcuate portion 43), and the position of the surface of arcuate portion 43 shown in dotted line is a measure of the degree of interference to rotation and compression that exists between the surface of socket 27 and arcuate portion 43.

Another modification of this invention is shown in FIG- URES 5 and 6 which are similar to the views shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. In this modification of the invention, however, the curvature of the knuckle portion 32 of spout 6 is maintained uniform and concentric with regard to the axis of rotation of trunnion 35. On the other hand, the curvature of various portions of the wall of socket 27 varies, so that interference to rotation is obtained in at least two areas.

FIGURE 5 shows spout 6 (in dotted line) mounted for rotation in its vertical position in socket 27. The axis of rotation of spout 6 is at C which is also the axis of rotation of trunnion 35. In the modification shown the surface of knuckle portion 32 is formed into 3 arcuate sections 47, 49 and 53 respectively, the center of curvature of each portion being concentric with the axis of rotation C. The radii of curvature of sections 47 and'49 are uniform and, as indicated, may be of any suitable dimension such as .230. The radius of curvature of section 51 is shown to be slightly smaller (e.g. .215) than the radius of curvature sections 47 and 49. This facilitates rotation of knuckle portion 32 in socket 27.

Knuckle portion 32 may be formed so that its radius of curvature is constant throughout its whole surface, in which event it has an unlobed appearance. It may also have a lobed configuration as seen in FIGURE 5 by cutting portions of the knuckle surface away.

As mentioned above, the surface of socket 27 is formed so that its curvature is eccentric with respect to the curvature of knuckle portion 32. In the modification shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, three different general sections of curvatures, A, B, and C, can be recognized. In the case of section A, by way of illustration, its center of curvature is displaced .010" above the axis of rotation C along the vertical line X-Y and its radius of curvature is about the same as the general radius of curvature of the knuckle portion 32, i.e. about .230".

Section B, for example, may be formed with a center position.

of curvature that is displaced about .005" above the axis of rotation C along vertical line X-Y. The radius of curvature of this section is about .235". Section C can be. constructed with a curvature that has its center located .030 above the axis of rotation C along the vertical line XY. This-section has a radius of curvature of .255.

It will be noted that in FIGURE 5 arcuate portion 49 is shown in dotted line to extend below the surface, the cavity 27 in this area. As explained in connection with FIGURES 3 and 4, this, obviously, cannot happen and the apparent overlap D merely indicates the degree of bite or interference that takes place in this area between the knuckle portion 32 and the socket 27 when the spout 6 is in the vertical position. Since the materials from which the knuckle 32 and/ or the socket 27 are made compressible, knuckle 32 can rotate in socket 27 albeit their respective parts are somewhat deformed.

The disposition of spout 6 in the horizontal position is shown in FIGURE 6. In this position arcuate portion 47 exerts a maximum amount of bite or interference as evidenced by overlay D. Arcuate portion 49 of knuckle 32 on the other hand causes less interference or bite with the wall of socket 27. V

The modification of this invention shown in FIGURES 7 and 8 is designed to further insure that no leaking occurs around the spout in the closed position. For this purpose arcuate portion 61 of the knuckle portion 31 of said spout 6 is provided with an annular member 65 which is preferably integral with and molded from the same material as the spout 6. Ring member 65 is dimensioned and positioned so as to fit snuglyinto opening 25 of dispenser closure 1 When the spout 6 is in its horizontal or closed position. This provides a tight seal which will prevent the leaking of the contents of container 3 through opening 25.

The manner of using the devices of the type to which the present invention pertains and are well-known to those skilled in the art. By way of example this device may be'employed as a dispenser for liquid shampoo. In this event the container 3 may be molded of flexible polyethylene'having a thickness of about .030-.125. The cap and spout 6 are molded of similar or somewhat more rigid flexible material, such as high density polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or regular polyethylene, having a thickness of about .060".080". The liquid shampoo is inserted into the container 3 and cap 5 with spout 6 in position is snapped into place. To use the contents of container 3, the spout 6 is rotated to its vertical or open By squeezing flexible container 3, the liquid shampoo is forced out of spout 6. Y

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific forms thereof, it will be understood that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A dispensing closure comprising a rotatable spout having a longitudinal axis and a' curved knuckle portion formed with first and second arcuate sections, the midpoint of said first arcuate section being disposed at an angle of about 90 to the left of said longitudinal axis and a portion of said second arcuate section being on a line with said longitudinal axis, said knuckle portion being mounted for rotation in a uniformly curved socket around an axis of rotation between vertical and horizontal positions, said spout having a bore extending through its length and said socket having a hole which registers with said bore when said longitudinal axis of said spout is in a vertical position, the center of curvature of said socket being uniform and concentric with said axis of rotation, the center of curvature of said first arcuate section being eccentric to said axis of rotation whereby on rotating said spout from a vertical to a horizontal position said .first arcuate section tends to interfere with said rotation and cause a tight seal between said knuckle portion and said socket in the region of said socket hole when said spout is in its horizontal position.

2. A dispensing closure according to claim 1 wherein said socket comprises a pair of side walls, in each of which a slot is cut and wherein said knuckle portion is provided with a pair of outwardly extending trunnions that are secured in said slots.

3. A dispensing closure according to claim 1 wherein said first arcuate section is provided with an annular member extending outwardly therefrom that fits snugly in said socket hole when said spout is rotated to its horizontal position.

4. A dispensing closure according to claim 1 wherein the center of curvature of said second arcuate section is also eccentric to said axis of rotation.

5. A dispensing closure comprising a rotatable spout having a longitudinal axis and a curved knuckle portion formed with first and second arcuate sections, the midpoint of said first arcuate section being disposed at an angle of about to the left of said longitudinal axis and a portion of said second arcuate section being on a line with said longitudinal axis, said knuckle portion being mounted for rotation in a non-uniformly curved socket around an axis of rotation between vertical and horizontal positions, said spout having a bore extending through its length and said socket having a hole which registers with said bore when said longitudinal axis of said spout is in a vertical position, the center of curvature of said first and second arcuate sections being substantially uniform and concentric with said axis of rotation, at least one of the centers of curvature of said socket being nonuniform and ecentric with regard to said axis of rotation.

6. A dispensing closure according to claim 5 wherein said socket comprises a pair of side walls, in each of which is cut a slot andwherein said knuckle portion is provided with a pair of outwardly extending trunnions that ride in said slots.

7. A dispensing closure comprising a rotatable spout having a longitudinal axis and a curved knuckle portion mounted for rotation in a curved socket around an axis of rotation between vertical and horizontal positions, said spout having a bore extending through its length and said socket having an opening which registers with said bore when the longitudinal axis of said spout is in a vertical position, the curvature of the surfaces of said knuckle portion and the said socket being different so that interference to rotation between said knuckle portion and said socket takes place in the area of said socket opening when said spout is in its horizontal position and in its vertical position, the center of curvature of the surface of said knuckle portion at a first interfering area being eccentric with regard to said axis of rotation and the center of curvature of the surface of said socket at a second interfering area also being eccentric with respect to said axis of rotation, whereby interference to rotation between said knuckle portion and said socket takes place in the area of said socket opening when said spout is in its horizontal and vertical positions.

8. A dispensing closure comprising a rotatable spout having a longitudinal axis and a curved knuckle portion mounted for rotation in a curved socket around an axis of rotation between vertical and horizontal positions, said spout having a bore extending through its length and said socket having an opening which registers with said bore when said longitudinal axis of said spout is in a vertical position, the curvature of the surfaces of said knuckle portion and said socket being different so that interference to rotation between said knuckle portion and said socket takes place in the area of said socket opening when said spout is in its horizontal and in its vertical position, the centers of curvature of the surface of said knuckle at a first and a second interfering area being eccentric with regard to said axis of rotation whereby interference to rotation between said knuckle portion and said socket 7 taken place in the area of said socket opening when said spout is in its vertical and horizontal position.

-9. A dispensing closure comprising a rotatable spout having a longitudinal axis and a curved knuckle portion mounted for rotation in a curved socket around an axis of rotation between vertical and horizontal positions, said spout having a bore extending through its length and said socket having an opening which registers with said bore when said longitudinal axis of said spout is in a vertical position, the center of curvature of the surface of the knuckle portion or the socket or both being eccentric with regard to said axis of rotation to provide two areas on said knuckle portion which tends to interfere with the rotation of said knuckle portion in said socket in the area of said socket opening, said interference taking place when said spout is in substantially only its horizontal or in its vertical position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,717,726 v9/1955 Mart 222-536 X 2,793,795 5/1957 Wilson et a1 222-536 2,828,895 4/1958 Mart 222-536 3,111,245 11/1963 Libit et a1. 222-534 3,116,856 1/1964 Prussin et al. 222-536 X RAPHAEL M. LUPO, Primary Examiner. 

9. A DISPENSING CLOSURE COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SPOUT HAVING A LONGITUDINAL AXIS AND CURVED KNUCKLE PORTION MOUNTED FOR ROTATION IN A CURVED SOCKET AROUND AN AXIS OF ROTATION BETWEEN VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL POSITIONS, SAID SPOUT HAVING A BORE EXTENDING THROUGH ITS LENGTH AND SAID SOCKET HAVING AN OPENING WHICH REGISTERS WITH SAID BORE WHEN SAID LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF SAID SPOUT IS IN A VERTICAL POSITION, THE CENTER OF CURVATURE OF THE SURFACE OF THE KNUCKLE POSITION OF THE SOCKET OR BOTH BEING ECCENTRIC WITH REGARD TO SAID AXIS ROTATION TO PROVIDE TWO AREAS ON SAID KNUCKLE PORTION WHICH TENDS TO INTERFERE WITH THE ROTATION OF SAID KNUCKLE PORTION IN SAID SOCKET IN THE AREA OF SAID SOCKET OPENING, SAID INTERFERENCE TAKING PLACE WHEN SAID SPOUT IS IN SUBSTANTIALLY ONLY ITS HORIZONTAL OR IN ITS VERTICAL POSITION. 